F.L. Crooks & Co.

Passion for the... Prom!

2015-03-14T16:38:00.001-04:00

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?

When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?

- Sheldon Harnick/ Jerry Bock

As the words from the song "Sunrise Sunset" from the ever-favorite musical Fiddler on the Roof attest, kids grow up all too fast. In the blink of an eye, it seems toddlers turn into teens and are heading to the prom and other memorable events.

To look your absolute best on those special evenings, we encourage you to stop in to FL Crooks & Co. We have partnered with Jim's Formal Wear, the country's largest prom network, to offer you an amazing selection of tuxedos. Established in 1964, Jim's Formal Wear is a supplier to nearly 6,000 independent retailers.

Divided into collections, Jim's Formal Wear features suits and accessories for any and every occasion. The sections help you choose the look you want based on price and the event that you will be attending. The Prom section starts with a cost of $69.99 and goes upward. This price includes a jacket, pants, and shirt along with a vest, tie, and shoes.

Free apps are available at jimsformalwear.com. You can download the Tuxedo Builder there for your iphone and/or ipad. Design the look you want, preview everything, and then come into FL Crooks & Co and order your creative, individual look. The earlier you can stop in, the better to insure the best selection.

Greys are continuing to be strong this season, but every color in the rainbow and beyond are available. In fact, you'll be able to choose from over 100 vest and color combinations. There are also a vast assortment of canes, suspenders, bow ties, and matching socks all available to complete your ensemble in grand style.

For weddings, keep in mind the groom's tuxedo is free with five paid rentals.

It will be a privilege for us here at FL Crooks to work with you on making the most of these precious times! Let it begin here... we've got the look and you've got the style. Together, we are a terrific team and can create a perfect ensemble for you.

To life!

Lydia Crooks

Fashion Trends for Women in Spring 2015

2015-02-19T17:59:00.003-05:00

"Nothing is new; it is just forgotten." - Coco Chanel

While winter in all its fury may be raging on the outside, spring in all its radiant glory is blooming on the inside. Don't wait for the spring crocuses to pop or the red robins to come boppin' along. Ladies, come inside the Women's Dept. at FL Crooks for your first taste of spring. What you will see is a mix of the new and what may have been forgotten to create a fascinating Spring 2015 fashion scene.

Some trends to incorporate into your wardrobe for the upcoming season:

Kayla wearing a striped Tulle coat

- Graphic Prints are having a major moment in Spring 2015. Tunics and dresses and skirts by Eva Varro, Sandra Darren, Clara Sun Woo, RD Style, and IC by Connie K are bold, fearless and make a statement.

- There is a nod to the 70's in Spring 2015. A specific decade takes over the runways every season, and this time around there is a gentle look back to the decade that brought us an abundance of denim. JAG is stealing the scene at FL Crooks & Co with customers excited about these awesome pants in a variety of colors and styles.

- Lace, Suede, and Fringe emerge with a fresh, modern look. The free-spirited, bohemian look when done right, perhaps wearing just one piece, is quite beautiful.

- Out-of-the-ordinary Animal Prints continue to come alive in garments by Sno Skins and Tees by Tina. Your wardrobe takes you on your own individual safari!

- Sporty Minimalism features a pared down approach to all things athletic. FL Crooks continues to offer a fine selection of The North Face, Patagonia, and prAna.

A detail here and there keep the looks fresh and appealing.

- Pops of Color resonate with everyone. Gorgeous shades of reds, blues, and greens make tops by Tyler Boe and judy p irresistible. Athletic shoes by Salomon and Merrell feature ingenious uses of color. Colored footwear across the board remains strong.

- Stripes are bigger than ever this spring. Check out the statement stripe in a fabulous spring coat by Tulle. French Dressing Jeans (FDJ) returns to FL Crooks and Co better than ever with some great garments featuring clever uses of stripes.

- Accessories Abound. Scarfs are quite popular as is chunky jewelry. Pandora has taken a floral approach with an entire white primrose collection.

- Laser-Cut Sweaters and dresses are fun and creative.

We've got the look. You've got the style. Come in and create your own fashion sensation this Spring. The fashion trends of the season come alive with you in them. You and FL Crooks & Co. We make a great team. Together, we can make all things new!

Valentine Love Forever

2015-01-15T18:52:00.001-05:00

O my luve's like a red, red rose

That's newly sprung in June;

O my luve's like the melodie

That's sweetly play'd in tune. -Robert Burns

You don't need to justify your love, you don't need to explain your love; you just need to practice your love. - Miguel Ruiz

The ancient Greeks categorized love into four forms:

- Philio (affectionate and tender platonic love);

- Storge (love for family and friends, often sacrificial);

- Eros (passionate and intense romantic love);

- Agape (unconditional love for our fellow human beings).

Pandora jewelry makes a statement this Valentines Day.

So, whether you want to celebrate a friend, a family member, a spouse, partner, soul-mate, or mankind in general, the month of February is a wonderful time to remember and revel in love in all its many forms. Giving a gift from FL Crooks & Co is a wonderful way to practice the art of loving to those who hold an important place in your heart and in your life.

Jewelry makes a statement to your loved ones that they are cherished and appreciated. Alex & Ani has some great ideas for February with special charms for their ever-popular bracelets - Cupid's heart, American Heart Association, Love, Key to My Heart, etc. Brighton purses and belts and jewelry are known for their iconic heart motif. Elle's jewelry has a little red ruby on each piece. Kameleon rings and earrings and necklaces feature interchangeable pops to mix and match color. Pandora has a dazzling pink display going on for the month of February and a Forever Mine Bracelet Gift Set promotion.

Accessories make great gifts as well. How about a Hobo wallet in shades of pink or red or the palette of the coming spring? Cinda b bags and totes are machine washable and proudly made in the USA.

Check our the newest addition to the store - a Vermont company known as Commando which feature the logo, Better than Nothing Underwear. The briefs are sure to please and delight. Founder and designer, Kerry O'Brien, is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and a patent-holding inventor. She is ever-obsessive about fit and constantly searching for the most luxurious fabrics. O'Brien states, When you have the right foundations, you feel that much more confident and beautiful."

For the men in your life, FL Crooks & Co has some gift ideas that include: Mighty Wallets, Happy Socks, SmartWool socks, Patagonia briefs, 2(x)ist briefs, The North Face caps, SlideBelts, Brighton belts, etc.

We carry Kid's clothing too: The North Face, Spyder, Sugar Lips Tank Tops, UGGs, and Crocs.

From Valentine's Day and throughout the entire month, let February be the month to celebrate love in all its forms and in all its ways. February - a month for giving - a month for loving - loving that lasts forever.

Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy, and Hopeful 2015!

2014-12-31T13:34:00.003-05:00

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!" - Hamilton Wright Mabie

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity." - Melody Beattie

Thank you to all of our wonderful customers and friends at FL Crooks & Co. and www.flcrooks.com.
Our deepest and heartfelt thanks to you for making this store and website a reality. We have had an awesome year, and we want to say 'thank you'! We look forward to working with you in the New Year 2015. May the coming year bring you much joy, love, peace, hope, faith, and renewal!

FL Crooks & Co

Premiering... prAna - Purposeful, Playful, Practical!

2014-12-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

"All there is to do, right at this very moment, is breathe in, breathe out, and kiss the joy as it flies." - Dani Shapiro

"Wonder is the heaviest element on the periodic table. Even a tiny fleck of it stops time." - Diane Ackerman

At this most wonderful time of the year, we would like to introduce you to a new friend that will enable you to embrace the 'joy as it flies' with a sense of wonder - a clothing line - that will stick closer to you than a brother or sister. After all, when you reach into your closet, don't you want to pull out something that reflects who you are? Don't you want to wear an article of clothing that states how you feel and what you value most in life? Of course you do! Friends, I would like to introduce you to that clothing line for your active lifestyle which I have been referring to - prAna!

With headquarters in Carlsbad, California, prAna has now been in existence for over 22 years. The name comes from Saskrit for "breath, life, and vitality of the spirit". The company has a mission to give more that they take from the world and its resources.

The prAna "Diva" jackets feature Sherpa interior lining.

Hence, the clothing of prAna is made with fewer toxins and chemicals. The materials feature organic cotton, natural fibers, and recycled materials. PrAna fabrics include flex, bliss, stretch ripstop, micropoly, sutra, veeda, hemp blend, zion, jacquard, and chakara.

Making good stuff in a good way, prAna became the first apparel company in the Outdoor Industry to offer Fair Trade certified styles. Fair Trade is a product-certification system that allows people to identify products that meet agreed upon environmental, labor and developmental standards. For Spring 2015, prAna is expanding its Fair Trade offering to 12 styles.

Stand up to the elements in this sustainable apparel for yoga, climbing, and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The distinctive look and versatile designs of prAna keep you warm and dry and are mindfully designed, with the user in mind. The clothing is built to last with excellent wearability and wrinkle resistant properties. Your prAna pieces, ranging from winter coats to shirts and vests and caps, for both men and women, will become your "go to" pieces in your active lifestyle.

Jim Crooks, of FL Crooks & Co, first encountered prAna at the Outdoor Show in Salt Lake City in February 2014 and is pleased now to offer this wonderful line of clothing to the community. The versatility, quality, and distinctive look of prAna have made the clothing an instant best-seller with its introductory offering here.

Sharing your kindred spirit of being present and in the moment, celebrate the spirit of prAna with their emphasis on sustainability, community, and right action.

Do stop in at FL Crooks & Co in downtown Clarion and on our website, www.flcrooks.com, and check out our offerings of this innovative and creative line of clothing.

Wishing you all the blessings of the season - love, joy, peace, faith, hope! May 2015 be a year of wonder for you and yours!

Gratefully,

Lydia

We're 'Wooly-Bully' Wild on Wool This Winter!

2014-11-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

SmartWool socks

Brrrrrr! Baby, it's oh so cold outside. As the temperatures drop, it's time to bring out the wool for some wonderfully warm wearability! When you talk about wool, a term that inextricably comes up in the conversation is Merino wool which, of course, comes from Merino sheep.

One of the world's oldest, toughest and economically viable breeds of sheep, Merino sheep originally came from Turkey and central Spain. The wool of Merino sheep is finely crimped and soft and suitable for blending with other fibers such as silk and cashmere.

Furthermore, Merino wool is becoming more and more common in athletic wear. This can be attributed to the following attributes of Merino wool:

- It's excellence in regulating body temperature.

In a process known as 'wicking', Merino wool draws moisture away from the skin. Like cotton, wool absorbs water, but, unlike cotton, wool retains warmth when wet. Hence, wool helps the wearer avoid hypothermia.

Ibex vest featuring Merino wool.

- It's amazing antibacterial properties.

Bacteria cannot find a solid surface to grow on with the uniquely thin individual fibers. And like most wool, Merino wool contains lanolin.

- It's highly breathable quality.

Individual fibers can absorb up to 30% of their own weight in moisture yet retain elasticity.

- It's strength.

Merino wool is extremely durable.

At FL Crooks & Co, check out our clothing lines featuring wool including Ibex, SmartWool,

Raffi, Viyella, and Wigens. The Ibex brand features high performance, casual, out-door inspired clothes. SmartWool features a large array of socks: Snowboard, Lifestyle, Hiking, Running, and Kids too! Gift sets containing 3 pairs of socks are a great idea for under the Christmas tree. A wonderful assortment of Raffi shirts are available for men - full zips, quarter zips, crew necks, mock necks, and V- necks in gorgeous colors. Rob has the highest of praise for the Raffi sweaters for men - "They're phenomenal!" The Viyella shirts for men feature a wool blend with 20% wool. And to top off your outfit, a Wigens cap sets you in fine style for the winter.

For your winter wear - FL Crooks & Co - and we're not pulling the wool over your eyes!

Slide into Style in Your Sensational SlideBelt!

2014-10-28T10:34:00.001-04:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! If you haven't already heard about a new staple on the fashion scene, please read on! An item like this only comes around once a decade or so.

It's simple. It's stylish. Certain to revolutionize a man's wardrobe, it's the new SlideBelt.

Designed in El Dorado, California, the SlideBelt is fully adjustable and features removable rachet buckles which are durable and easy to use. There are no holes whatsoever.

Ten years ago, Brig Taylor was teaching abroad in Moldova. One of his students, Oleg, gave Brig a ratchet belt he had found while serving in the Russian military. Rather than the traditional fastening method of holes and a prong, this belt featured a tab on the buckle that racheted into teeth-like ridges. The ridges were sewn to the back of the leather strap.

Brig and his wife, Michelle, put their heads together to come up with an improved and refined design. After receiving a patent on their concept, they placed their first order for 400 belts. Six years later, the Taylor's placed another order for 600 belts. With growth came a move from the Taylor's garage into new office space and voila! . As they say, the rest is history. With sales of nearly 40,000 belts in 2013, SlideBelts is well on its way to becoming a household word.

The Men's department at FL Crooks & Co is pleased and delighted to be offering the SlideBelt in leather, as well as in fabric designs, in several colors including black, brown, cognac, grey, and camo. Rob points out that this makes a perfect gift because you don't need to know the size of the recipient. Moreover, Rob states that the SlideBelt is "for the guy who puts a belt on and is always between holes. This eliminates that. Everyone who works here has one!"

No ordinary fashion accessory, this $65 SlideBelt is a new paradigm of style. Functional and affordable, maybe it's time for you to try one or buy one for the special man in your life. Oh, and pass the potatoes please!

Happy Thanksgivingtide!

Beat the Cold in your Cool Killtec Jacket!

2014-09-25T14:07:00.000-04:00

"Ten thousand flowers in spring,

Christian wearing one of our new Killtec jackets.

the moon in autumn,

a cool breeze in summer,

snow in winter:

If your mind isn't clouded by

unnecessary things,

this is the best season of your life."

- Wu Men

To make this coming winter season the best of all possible seasons, greet it head-on in your new Killtec jacket. For the first time ever, FL Crooks is offering an array of Killtec jackets for men and women. Trendy and innovative, the jackets are fabulously functional as well.

The Killtec company is a family-run business from Buchholz (near Hamburg, Germany) which has been developing collections for sports and leisure for more than thirty years. With distributions in twenty seven countries, the Killtec company is proud of their products designed, tailored and manufactured with love and passion.

Made of high quality materials, the quality of a Killtec jacket is second to none. Offering optimal protection against the cold, they are well-insulated without being bulky. Killtec jackets are waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The focus is on strong value while holding to popular price points. The jackets featured at FL Crooks and Co. range in price from $125 to $235. The size ranges are from M to 3XL in Men and sizes 8 to 14 for women. The Killtec European fit is on the small side so go up a size or possibly two sizes from what you normally wear.

To waterproof the garment, a Killtec jacket features taped seams. Special attention is given when sewing individual sections of the jacket together. The seams are taped from the inside so that when the needle pierces the material, the water resistance is not compromised. Hence, the joins are sealed watertight. Using the perfect balance of temperature and pressure, a machine attaches and simultaneously sticks the tape to the inner garment, preventing the rain and moisture from getting through.

Jim Crooks is enthusiastic about making these jackets available which represent such "excellent value. The fit is excellent as well. The designs are great!" He encourages you to try one on to feel the difference a Killtec jacket offers. Check out the practical pockets and fabulous hoods and sturdy zippers.

Quality... functionality... loving attention to detail! Be prepared for whatever the winter season may bring your way in your Killtec jacket!! Make this the best season of your life!

See and Sense the SALOMON Significance!

2014-08-15T19:43:00.003-04:00

"What fascinates me is what I am going to do tomorrow." - Georges Salomon

FL Crooks is pleased to introduce SALOMON in our store for Fall 2014, a line of innovative footwear which will take you from your door to the trail with optimal fit and superb performance. One of the most innovative sports companies in the world, SALOMON offers the latest in sports technology to enable your run/workout to be the best ever. The colors and designs of the shoes are ultra-modern and ultra-fun!

New 2014 Salomon Sports Shoes

Headquartered in Annecy, France, the company was created in 1947 with Francois Salomon and his son, George, designing many of the first modern ski bindings. These new concepts in bindings, boots, skis and ski apparel led to innovative concepts in footwear.

The women's SALOMON are designed with the woman's foot in mind, unlike most other sports footwear. The super stretchy front of the shoe allows for expansion of the foot while the tread allows for incredible stopping traction even with slippery and loose surfaces. FL Crooks has 4 different SALOMON styles to meet your active lifestyle needs:

- XR Mission - $110 - For City Trail

These are light, cushioned, and feature an outstanding grip on all surfaces along with a smooth rolling motion.

- Speedcross 3 - $125 - For Mountain Trail

These iconic running shoes bring speed to the trails. They provide the most amazing grip and are light, fast, and feature a super precise fit.

- X ultra GTX - $140 - For Adventure Hiking

Ideal for fast hiking on mixed terrain, this trail shoe features a stable chassis, extra protection for your foot and GORE-TEX.

- Hime Md - $140 - For Winter Wear

Stylish and warm, this awesome winter boot combines cozy warmth and soft textiles to keep you snug in very cold conditions.

And for the men, FL Crooks & Co are featuring the following great styles:

- Speedcross - $145 - For Mountain Trail

This shoe with a Climashield protective upper brings speed to the trails. Adverse weather conditions can be worked through with its aggressive tread and precise fit.

- Kaipo - $140 - For Winter Performance

The Kaipo is an insulated mid-height boot with Climashield waterproof protection. The insulation is designed to withstand temperatures to -18 degrees Celsius.

The sleek design allows for strolling mountain resorts and city streets.

To make the sports and physical exercise in your life enjoyable and effective, check out this incredible line of footwear at FL Crooks & Co. Get outdoors. Explore Nature. Get moving. It's time you experience the significance of SALOMON footwear. See and Sense SALOMON - now at FL Crooks & Co. in downtown Clarion!

Your feet will thank you!

Lydia

Jewelry with Heart and Soul and a Social Conscience!

2014-07-18T17:57:00.000-04:00

In the world of business and commerce in the USA, what is the only other company that competes with Apple's selling rate per square foot? If you said the jewelry company best known for its charm bangle bracelets, 'Alex and Ani', you would be spot on!

The Providence, Rhode Island company began in 2004 and has grown a whopping 365% in revenue from $2 million to $230 million. With 41 retail stores in the USA, 24 more Alex and Ani stores will be opening this year. While the number of employees working in the USA's jewelry market decreased 43% from 1998 to 2008, Alex and Ani went from 23 employees in 2009 to 1,024 employees in 2014. The company took an unusual route to its phenomenal success, flying on its own fashion wings!

To begin with, Alex and Ani's jewelry is made from recycled parts and scraps. Founder Carolyn Rafaelian stated, "All items are manufactured in America from sustainable materials derived from eco-friendly processes." With this economical emphasis, the cost of the charms and bracelets can be mostly kept within the $28 to $78 price range.

Secondly, the company chooses to locate on town streets rather than in shopping malls. The "Main Street" angle has become an important part of their brand. The focus is to become part of the lifestyle of the individual and the community. The company and its fans have a "give back" mentality.

Third of all, Alex and Ani advertises in unexpected places. Did you catch their commercial which aired during the last Super Bowl? While advertising in traditional avenues like magazines (Vogues, Harper's Bazaar, Elle), Alex and Ani ventures into the sports world, realizing that in football, for instance, 45% of NFL fans are women.

Moreover, Alex and Ani has made some big time partnerships, among those the NFL, the MLB, the NHL, the Olympics, the US Army, and 62 different colleges. Add to this impressive list none other than the Walt Disney company. Alex and Ani went from selling jewelry at 6 Disney location in 2010 to now selling jewelry at 34 Disney parks locations in California and Florida.

Joining the company in 2010, CEO Giovanni Feroce, a former American military officer, says, "I will readily admit my ignorance on the fashion industry, but that is an asset." He has spearheaded a social media campaign to grow the company in unprecedented leaps and bounds.

With an ever-increasing and enthusiastic following, the company has found its way into FL Crooks & Co last October, adhering to their Main Street philosophy of where to conduct business. The staff at FL Crooks & Co describe the jewelry as "artsy", "expandable", "main stream", "meaningful gifts". Christian states, "I like things that personally speak to me" while Rhianna points out that "the bracelets look better when they are mixed, metals and colors." Darla's favorite grouping is the newest collection, the Sacred Studs, "each color has an individual mantra and meaning".

New pieces are coming out all the time, and the collection at FL Crooks & Co keeps expanding and growing. The various alphabet/initials, birthstone, and 'positive sayings' bracelets and charms make wonderful gifts for the special people in your life. And what a wonderful way to treat yourself - a "Made in America With Love" Alex and Ani bracelet! Come to Main Street Clarion and check out our awesome and impressive Alex and Ani collection of creative and spirited bracelets and charms.

To positivity!

Lydia Crooks

FL Crooks & Co

539 Main Street

Clarion, PA 16214

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

2014-06-26T14:54:00.000-04:00

"The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

"But what minutes!

Count them by sensation,

and not by calendars,

and each moment is a day."

- Benjamin Disraeli

"Summertime and the livin' is easy..." So goes the gorgeous and melodious song from the musical Porgy and Bess. Here we are in the throes of July, a vacation summertime month for some. A time for new and varied experiences for others. Maybe we'll be able to, at long last, kick back, put our feet up and find a nice shady spot underneath the branches of a favorite tree. Maybe it's a time to pick up that book that we have been meaning to read so that we can be re-freshed and re-created through the power of words and ideas.

If you haven't already done so, now is a great time to pick up a book written 25 years ago by Stephen R. Covey entitled The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. We might have heard of the book, but have we actually taken the time to read it? It's a powerhouse, a wealth of wisdom and insight.

Check out the title - it's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Effective, not Successful. All three contestants missed this question on a recent Jeopardy show. They tried to put the word 'successful' in the title, rather than the word author Covey chose, 'effective'. Perhaps we are a bit obsessed with the concept of being successful when maybe we might want to try to be more effective in our personal lives and in running our businesses.

At any rate, here are the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:

Habit 1 - Be Proactive (Principles of Personal Vision)

Habit 2 - Begin with the End in Mind (Principles of Personal Leadership)

Habit 3 - Put First Things First (Principles of Personal Management)

Habit 4 - Think Win/Win (Principles of Interpersonal Leadership)

Habit 5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood (Principles of Empathic Communication)

Habit 6 - Synergize (Principles of Creative Cooperation)

Habit 7 - Sharpen the Saw (Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal)

In presenting workshops and seminars, Covey said the Habit 5 "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood" is the most often requested topic of the 7 Habits.

Best wishes for a terrific summer! May you be energized by the resources at your fingertips and in the world around you this summer. May your life be enriched as you work on bringing principles such as those listed above to fruition. May you enjoy the journey to becoming a complete and fulfilled person in your private and in your professional life.

Godspeed!

Lydia

FL Crooks & Co

How Mediation Can Improve Your Outlook

2014-06-25T12:59:00.002-04:00

How Meditation Can Improve Your Outlook

Alden Wicker

When I graduated from college I was 20 pounds heavier than I am now. It took three years to drop all that weight, slowly but surely. Ceasing to binge drink like a college student likely helped, but I attribute the bulk of the loss to yoga and meditation.

Yoga and meditation both helped me get in tune with my body and mind. They’re tools that teach you how to slow down and assess what is going on. You learn to be honest with yourself, to gently probe down to uncover the real reason behind your actions.

After picking up meditation on the regular, I found myself having gentle, honest conversations with myself whenever I started craving junk food. “Are you actually hungry?” “Um … let me see … yes. But not super hungry.” “What do you want?” “Cupcakes!” “Really?” “Well, I want something sweet.” “How sweet? Because last time you ate a cupcake you thought it was … a bit too much.” “That’s true. And I don’t really feel like eating a cupcake by myself today. That’s sad. Maybe I could just pick up a fruit smoothie.” “Lovely idea, my dear!”

And if meditation helped you cut the junk from your diet (as studies have indicated) why can’t the same thing hold true for your closet? Fashion is loaded with just as much—if not more—emotional baggage. There’s emotional shopping, just like emotional eating. And we lie to ourselves all the time when it comes to clothing: about fit, about whether we’ll actually wear it, about how it will transform our lives.

Yes, building an excellent wardrobe takes mindfulness.

Mindfulness in Shopping
First, you have to get familiar with your likes and dislikes, and the shape of your body. It may seem silly to meditate on your clothing, but with the amount of money you’re spending on stuff you end up hating? Just go with it.

Close your eyes and imagine what you were wearing when you felt most beautiful. What was the fit? The color? What did it evoke for you? Hold the image of your favorite outfit in your mind and examine it from all angles. What kind of fabric is it made out of? How does it make you feel emotionally? How does it feel against your skin?

When you see images of models or celebrities or fashion bloggers, acknowledge the feelings that they evoke in you. Jealousy? Inadequacy? Yearning? Pity? Hostility? An eye roll? Ask yourself, if you find yourself coveting the clothing you see in ads, why you covet it so. Perhaps you long to be at the beach yourself, so a beach-y Ralph Lauren ad draws you in. Then address the fact that buying a Ralph Lauren bikini won’t put you on the beach or win you a man with a chiseled jaw. That it’s just clothing.

A Pendleton Sweater, made to last.

Not to say that meditation means you won’t ever shop again! It just helps you make better decisions. Maybe, when you see a certain Pendleton sweater, you recognize it as something you would just love. The fit and colors are just perfect, and you’ve been repeatedly searching for just such a sweater in your closet to throw on and coming up short. It could be, quite honestly, a great addition to your closet.

In any case, always sit with the idea of the clothing you want to buy for a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days. Turn it over in your mind and see how your emotional connection to it changes. Perhaps, like an toxic friendship that doesn’t serve you, it falls away. Or perhaps, after some time, you realize that it would serve a useful and beautiful purpose in your life. There’s no right answer, as long as you’re being honest with yourself.

This careful, thoughtful, honest approach to fashion has a couple benefits. First, it will save you money as you let go of impulse shopping. Second, it will lead you naturally to well-crafted, lifetime pieces, instead of fast fashion bought on a whim and then stuffed under the bed.

Mindfulness in Organization
Mindfulness and meditation come in handy when you’re cleaning out your closet, too.
Oh, boy, do we lie to ourselves about our closet. That piece of clothing you haven’t worn in two years. Why do you keep it? “Because it’s beautiful!” you might say. But dig deeper. Perhaps it’s a designer brand that represents prestige to you. Perhaps it’s a suit that represents a fear of getting fired and having to interview for new jobs. Perhaps it represents fitting in with your college friends, or being the kind of person your parents want you to be.

Acknowledge the emotions that letting go of your clothing brings up. But also recognize when clothing isn’t serving you anymore. That your first J. Crew sweater you could ever afford is pilling, and you now can afford better. That you work in a field that never requires suits, and that is awesome. That you like wearing black, and that is OK because Mom and Dad can’t tell you what to do anymore.

Lay the items where you can see them and let them be there for a few days so you can get used to the idea of letting them go. Then let them go! Consign, donate, or recycle them. And watch space open up in your closet for new and better things.

You know, like that Pendleton sweater?

Your Dad Wants a Present!

2014-05-24T18:04:00.005-04:00

Several years ago, a book entitled "The Five Love Languages" was written by Gary Chapman. In his book, Chapman outlined 5 areas that can help us connect with one another and improve our most important relationships. Those five areas are:

Acts of service

FLCrooks.com for
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Quality time
Gifts
Physical touch
Words of affirmation

Ah! Take a look at the center of the list, #3 Gifts. While celebrating Father's Day this Sunday, June 15th, why not honor your dad or the special men in your life with a great gift from FL Crooks & Co.

Your dad needs clothes, yes?

How about choosing a quality Patagonia shirt with a colorful plaid fabric? Or what about choosing a Forsyth of Canada shirt which have never been more awesome - in a colorful array of pink and lilac shades as well as dreamy blues and minty greens. And speaking of color, Alberto pants are featured in a fadeout twill with your choice of blue, green red, or taupe. Levi cargo shorts are available in a cool assortment of colors - camo, khaki, navy, etc. and are priced for only $29.99. Tommy Bahama shirts, shorts, pants and swimwear are always a plus to any summertime wardrobe.

Your dad need shoes, yes?

For summer sandals, Olukai and Keen have the perfect footwear that will put a spring in his step and a smile on his face. For outdoor wear, look no further than Merrell. For work and for dress, Johnston & Murphy feature incredible footwear.

Your dad needs accessories, yes?

Hats make terrific gifts at summertime. We've got some cool styles from Broner, the British line Gorin, and Kangol too. Brighton belts are always a favorite. Native eyewear is functionable and fashionable! How about a pair of Happy Socks - only $12!!

Remember - your dad wants a present this Father's Day! And what a great way to show him that you care - with a gift from FL Crooks & Co. Love You Dad!

Happy Father's Day 2014!

Lydia

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2014-05-17T10:17:00.004-04:00

The End of the ‘Wear It Once’ Trend

Melissa Wall

Zady.com

I know little to nothing about fashion trends. The vagaries of the fashion industry are as incomprehensible to me as a turbine jet engine. But I do know that one of the most important trends of the decade– perhaps of the era – is currently being set by the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Sophia Loren, and, perhaps most notably, Kate Middleton.

It’s the trend of wearing the same clothes more than once.

We all know that celebrity-dressing habits are the epitome of crazy excess. In the age of constant selfies and nonstop public scrutiny, celebs set a gold standard for conspicuous consumption when it comes to fashion – and not without good reason, given that it can be a career setback to be “caught” wearing the same outfit twice. But while we may want celebs to dazzle us with ever-changing looks and sleek poses in magazines, this whole “life as costume drama” trend comes at a cost. Namely, we’re reinforcing a completely unsustainable way of consuming items of clothing that has ramifications on everything from the supply chain to the water table to our own pocket books.

Kiera Knightly in her now-famous wedding dress, which she wears often

The habits of the famous trickle down into normal behavior, and in the age of social media, where everyone is the star of their own digital feed, wearing a dress twice (or at least, being seen wearing a dress twice) has become an actual worry for the rest of us. Think I’m exaggerating? One 2012 survey found that 80 percent of women buy new party outfits out of “fear of being ‘Facebook tagged’ in the same clothes more than once.”

All this vilification of double-wear means one thing: women (and men, but the marketing and magnifying glasses tend to be aimed more at women) are buying more clothes than we need. Tons more. We’re wearing something for purposes of having it look cute in a digitally-blasted photo, then shoving it into a closet crevice – or, worse, throwing it away – and moving on to the next item.

It’s obvious that wearing an article of clothing once and then chucking it is wasteful. But when you look at the volume of waste it produces, the global footprint, and the resources taken to sustain all this waste, you get an idea of just HOW wasteful. Wasteful to the point of harmful. Wasteful to the point of destructive on a global scale.

Deep down, we all know this is ridiculous – it’s a trend based on an illusion, all staging and spectacle, signifying nothing. Even celebs don’t toss out a designer blouse or pair of jeans after its first wear. Still, we keep on participating in a cultural norm that is harming our environment, wasting our hard-earned cash, putting garment workers at risk, and ultimately doing no good to anyone.

Imagine if we reversed the trend to go the other way? I remember the first time someone pointed out that I was wearing the same dress in a Facebook photo that I’d worn a year earlier. It didn’t occur to me that the comment wasn’t a compliment – “it’s such a lovely dress, it stood out twice!”

I was naïve, but it’s a naivete I’m choosing to hold on to. I love finding clothes that I can wear again and again, unique items that I know I’ll never get tired of reaching for in my closet, and rediscovering. I own a dress I bought at a sample sale that I’ve worn to no less than 5 weddings in the last 4 years– it’s become a good luck charm, at least in my eyes. Look, I’m wearing the green silk shift! You two will be happy forever! It’s tough to pinpoint what, if anything, we gain from treating clothes like disposable box cameras. But it’s clear what we lose – the real pleasure that comes from ownership of a beautiful, quality item, and the relationship and significance that can develop from wearing something unique over time. We rob ourselves of the narrative around a particular cocktail dress, the memories attached to the parties it’s seen, the formal dinner party, opening night at the ballet, the dates gone bad (or good). Over time, clothes can become more than just fodder for a social media snapshot – they become part of our personal history. They may even become heirlooms for our daughters. If the price of that is losing potential clout on Facebook, I’ll happily pay it.

Spring into Style for Mother's Day!

2014-04-26T16:48:00.003-04:00

Spring into Style this Mother's Day!

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it."

- Mark Twain

May is a wonderful time to celebrate the beauty of nature and the long-awaited-for warmer weather! As the buds and flowers simply burst all around us and the landscape comes alive with color, we celebrate the ones who gave us life - our mothers!

Lydia & Chelsea in 1994 on
Mother's Day.

The modern holiday of Mother's Day was created by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900's. After the passing of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis in 1905, Anna wanted to find a way to honor the sacrifices that mothers make for their children. With financial backing from John Wanamaker, a prominent Philadelphia department store owner, Anna organized a Mother's Day celebration in Grafton, West Virginia at a Methodist Church in May of 1908. Six years later, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson established the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

One hundred years after this official proclamation, on this Mother's Day, 2014, show your mother how much she means to you by a special gift from FL Crooks & Co. Spring fashions have never looked prettier nor have been more appealing!

Christian & Meredith introducing our
new line of My Flat in London bags.

One line in particular that the FL Crooks staff is especially excited about is a new line from Brighton jewelry called My Flat in London. This whimsical collection features handbags of various sizes, pouches, and a full line of jewelry. Meredith Brill, FL Crooks' Brighton and My Flat in London sales representative exclaimed, "When you see it all together on the store floor, it's like WOW!" Designed by Jan Haedrich, the inspiration behind the line includes bows, scarves, crowns, and the Queen B! The motto for My Flat in London is "Be Pretty, Witty and Wise, Fulfill Dreams, Create Inner Style,
Be Happy and Eat Cupcakes!

Mother's Day - a day to say "Thank you, Mom! You are the best, and you deserve the best!"

Three cheers for Mothers in the merry month of May and always!

Everyone loves a good love story! - February 26, 2014

2014-02-26T19:42:00.001-05:00

Everyone loves a good story, and a good story doesn't get any better than this. It's a love story. It's a sugar and spice and everything nice story. It's a Pandora story. Pandora... you know the bracelets, necklaces, and rings that have created such a sensation.

Our story takes place on March 9, 2013. A young man picks a young lady up in his Chevy Silverado. They head to Clear Creek State Park and proceed on a walk to Bear Rock, a faithful scenic old rock in the park. There is snow on the ground. It's a scenic path that leads up to an ultra-cool scenic overlook. The sky is aglow with promise.

The young lady sees that he has a Pandora box and is puzzled. She wonders, "Why would be bring me a bead here? That's really random!" He gets down on one knee, opens the Pandora box, and... the letters WYMM jump out of the box and spread throughout the sky. James says what the letters state, "Will you marry me?" And Jena says, "Yes!"

Yes, in the spring a young man's fancy is said to turn to love. James and Jena's path will soon lead to a march down the aisle in May. The couple will wear the excitement and sparkle that they felt on this special March day.

For your wedding attire for this special occasion, look no further than FL Crooks & Co in downtown Clarion.

For over five years now, the staff at FL Crooks & Co has been utilizing Jim's Formal Wear for all of your tuxedo prom and wedding attire needs. Over 300 vest and tie combinations are possible. The color range includes black, grey, white, navy, tan, brown, and new for Spring 2014 is black with camouflage lapels. Shoes come with the tuxedo. Prices for tuxedos start at $69.99 and go upwards.

Come in a few months ahead of the big event if you can, but two weeks time is really all that is needed (except during Prom season when a little more notice is helpful). If you can't come in person, call your measurements in at 226-8020 or 1-800-320-6902.

It's the season of love, so get dressed for the occasion - whether it be for a prom, a wedding, or another special occasion. FL Crooks & Co - we love a good story! We love to make you look and feel your absolute best!

Love and peace-

Lydia

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The Best Word of Mouth for a Store is this...

2014-01-14T11:14:00.001-05:00

In his book “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping” Paco Underhill states that ‘probably the single best word of mouth for a store is this: They’re so nice down at that shop’. At FL Crooks & Co in downtown Clarion, we strive to be the best that we can be in terms of superb customer service as well as offering fashionable garments, shoes, and accessories of unsurpassable quality and value. And this has been our mission now going on our 109^th year!

FL Crooks & Co is always adding new lines of clothing for men, women, and kid’s too:

       *Jack Victor tailored clothing;
       * Robert Graham shirts;
       *Frye boots;
       *Tees by Tina;
       *Alex & Ani bracelets;
       *Hobo wallets;
       *Salaam tops;
       *Eva Varro tops.

Some of our biggest sellers consistently are Hart Shaffner & Marx suits, Alberto Ceramica slacks, Spyder sportswear, Smartwool socks along with powerhouse The North Face for the entire family. Our fine footwear includes UGG boots, Merrell, NAOT, Dansko, Keen, Johnston & Murphy, Timberland, Jambu, Crocs, and ‘smooth as butter’ Frye boots. The women will be bringing back Yellow Box for Spring 2014. Our jewelry inventory just keeps getting better and better with beautiful collections from Pandora, Alex & Ani, Kameleon, and Brighton including handbags.

We are always happy to bring to the table as many “Made in the USA” products as possible including the following:

Keen shoes and boots,
Bill’s Khakis;
Leegin belts;
Ibex outdoor;
Stormy Kromer coats and belts;
Selected Wigens caps
Smartwool socks;
Hart Shaffner & Marx suits;
Hardwick clothing;
Tees by Tina.

Internet marketing specialist Cynthia C. has been hired in August 2013 to complement the staff of 7 full-time and 3 part-time personnel. Cindy is coordinating FL Crooks’ Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube, and Vimeo accounts. The store features over 10,000 items on their www.flcrooks.com website, begun in 1998. Check us out on-line and do follow us!

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Wishing you and yours much love, joy, peace, and contentment in 2014!

These are a few of our favorite things...

2013-11-27T15:35:00.003-05:00

Simplify your holiday gift giving! Head over to FL Crooks & Co at 539 Main Street in Clarion or log on to our website at www.flcrooks.com. We have gorgeous clothing and accessories that would be just perfect for that special someone on your gift list. I asked everyone on our staff what they are excited about in the store for this season, and here are a few of our favorite things...

Zach likes The Mighty Wallet. Since 2005, the original Tyvek wallet is durable, adjustable, water-resistant, besides being "mighty thin and mighty strong". This wallet with a personality features a variety of super heroes, cartoon characters, and iconic artwork. Zach is planning to buy one for his younger brother. At just $15, you'll have some money left over after you purchase one of these cool wallets to put inside the wallet!

Santina gushes that her favorite treasure in FL Crooks & Co is "definitely Pandora". "I like Pandora because it's personal, simple, easy. It's good for every occasion. You can mark your moment, your memory." The Pave Lights beads are Santina's favorite beads. These shiny, beautiful, intricate beads come in 8 colors: Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Red, Brown, Black and Clear and are priced at $65. Each Pandora bead goes through 33 hands before leaving the production facility.

Rob emphatically states that he is a big fan of "Bill's Khakis" because of their exceptional quality. Rob points out that "wash after wash after wash, Bill's Khakis will maintain their form". Having their origin in a pair of original WWII issue khakis, Bill's Khakis continue to be made in the USA. Their slogan is appropriately, "We made Bill's better by not changing a thing!"

Rhianna promotes the Margaret M skinny jean by enjoying wearing them. "These jeans are very comfortable and can be worn dressy or casual. They are good to wear with tall boots. Margaret M's are a very classy fit, a very flattering fit, and repeat customers keep coming back and buying more Margaret M pants!"

Rachel is looking forward to receiving some Alex & Ani bracelets from her aunt this Christmas. These bracelets are "trendy, fashionable, and go with a lot of stuff. They are made in the USA - I'm real big on that!" FL Crooks & Co is pleased and delighted to be offering this fine jewelry to our customers and looks forward to expanding our collection.

I would like to ask you to take a look at our Kenneth Cole coats when thinking about holiday gift giving. "What a thrill to meet Kenneth Cole in person in NYC a few years back. He started out with shoes but now designs everything. His products are simply sensational substance and style!"

Jim is passionate about the Ibex Scout Vest. "This amazing all merino wool vest is soft and can be worn dressy or sporty." FL Crooks & Co is currently offering it in 3 colors: Black, Green Bark Heather, and Dark Pomegranate Heather. Ibex is made in the USA, and the quality is unsurpassable.

Darla is enthusiastic about Tees by Tina - "I love their colors, the rich fabric, and the slimming textures. They are very comfortable, and they don't wrinkle. Throw on a good piece of jewelry, and you're good to go." Known as the best in class one-size-fits-most seamless apparel, this exceptional clothing is made in the USA.

Cindy smiles and says her favorite thing in FL Crooks right now "has to be the Brighton jewelry. It's a step above. It's nicer than I expected it to be." FL Crooks & Co features a beautiful array of necklaces, earrings, watches and bracelets and some incredible Brighton handbags as well.

Christian comments on Frye boots - "cute, fashionable, comfortable, good high quality. Their leathers are like butter!" The history of The Frye Boot company goes back to March 10, 1863 when John A. Frye opened a small store on Elm Street in Marlboro, Massachusetts. Generations have made the company stronger, and Frye boots are experiencing a resurgence of interest and excitement.

Audrey debates whether her favorite thing in FL Crooks & Co was Snowskins or Clara Sunwoo. "What I'm wearing now is Clara Sunwoo. I like the fashion and the fit, and it's comfortable to work in. I thin it's overall just a great look. Personally, I always get compliments anytime I wear it."

There you have it - straight from our staff, recommendations of stylish clothing and accessories within our four walls! Come and see for yourself! Let us make your holiday gift shopping quest a simple, enjoyable experience for you. Gift wrapping is always free! We hope these suggestions of some of our favorite things prove to be helpful. May you and yours enjoy a happy, healthful and hopeful holiday season!

Merry Christmas!!
Lydia Crooks

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A is for ... Alex and Ani! October 25, 2013

2013-10-25T18:18:00.003-04:00

A is for Awesome Artistry...A is for Authentic Accessories...A is for Alex and Ani!

FL Crooks & Co is pleased to announce the addition of eco-friendly Alex and Ani bracelets to our store's jewelry offerings. In just 2 short years this business from Rhode Island is on the way to becoming a household name with sales skyrocketing from $4.5 million to $80 million.

While there are currently 1,500 free standing Alex & Ani stores in the US, there are none in Pennsylvania. FL Crooks is only 1 of 3 stores in the entire Keystone state to carry this amazing line of jewelry.

Founded by Carolyn Rafaelian, Alex and Ani is a holistically inspired jewelry company named after her twin daughters. Rafaelian herself comes from a family of jewelry designers from Providence, and she apprenticed under her father. She designs each bracelet with an inspired message behind each creation.

FL Crooks & Co is currently featuring two of Alex and Ani's collections - the Starry-eyed & Raw Collection and Eden's Equinox Collection. The former collection encourages one "to celebrate big dreams, a grounded disposition, and the exhilarating journey that brings you to the place you are meant to discover." These bracelets with a rock influence and a rocker edge celebrate enthusiasm, possibility, and originality. The latter collection is all about growth, potential, and balance. A tribute to the beauty and potential of Eden, this clean-cut collection with simple silver and gold designs encourages the wearer to flourish in the beauty of Autumn.

The staff of FL Crooks & Co is excited about Alex & Ani! Rhianna points out that the line is "very fashion forward, very trendy" while Christian loves how "customizable" they are, how easily one can make them their own. The bracelets are receiving a lot of celebrity backing, all the while coming in affordable prices. Moreover, these unique bracelets translate across many age groups and can be worn stacked in 3's and 4's.

The bracelets with their excellent craftsmanship come in two different band styles that are expandable and will fit anyone. The hinge effect process consists of a double wire while the wrap bracelet doubles over to embrace your wrist.

The Alex and Ani company has a powerful commitment to charity and positive energy all the while being American made! CEO Giovanni Feroce says, "Made in America is a statement of quality. Made in America is a statement of pride. At Alex and Ani, we're proud to be an American-made company." Partnered with other charities for the "Charity by Design" jewelry line, the company has donated over $6 million to charity.

Come and check out the Alex and Ani phenomenon at FL Crooks & Co, downtown Clarion! It's where you have never looked so good!

Celebrate the beauty of the season!

Cordially,

Lydia

"What are your clothes saying about you?" September 26, 2013

2013-09-26T12:06:00.000-04:00

A recent survey may reveal something about you and your personality by the kind of coffee you drink! Psychologist Dr. Keith Ablow gave the results after over a thousand coffee drinkers were interviewed:

1). Black coffee - efficient, perhaps a little controlling;

2). Lattes - people pleasers; pleasure seekers;

3). Special Blends - trend setters; like to try new things;

4). Instant - laid-back, prone to be procrastinators.

So, if our coffee is talking about us, what do other avenues of our lives reveal about us?

What are our clothes saying about us? Walk with me through FL Crooks & Co, and let's allow the clothes to do the talking...

For Fall/Winter 2013 you see a gorgeous array of color, color, and more color. There are plenty of green-hued items in stock in various shades. Green is king since Pantone's color of the year is Emerald Green. You will see complementary shades of red, purple, and blues to round out the color palette. Some lines that simply pop with color for women are Tulle coats, Michael Stars tops, Tresics tops, Laundromat sweaters, and new for Fall 2013 T's by Tina. The colors of our lives are bountiful and bold!

At FL Crooks & Co we embrace the active lifestyle that is you! The North Face and Patagonia continue to move forward with the best in outerwear. We have added to our Spyder collection with bold colors and designs, and we even offer Spyder for Kids this season. American-made Ibex continues to delight with amazing pieces of tremendous artistry and quality. We are a society on-the-go, and our clothing will take us there!

Plaids and interesting patterns make a statement that 'old is new again'. You will see plaid in all kinds of fabric in various articles of clothing ranging from Tommy Bahama shirts to Wigens caps. With fabric made in Italy, Luchiano Visconti Black shirts for men simply dazzle the eye! Robert Graham shirts with their colorful designs that make a nod to the past while ever edging forward have never looked better! Men's socks by Ozone, Ugly Vix, Robert Graham, and V.K. Nagrani join the festive party of fanciful designs to keep your feet happy!

We have clothes that want to be a special part of your wardrobe! Let our clothes do the talking for you! FL Crooks & Co - downtown Clarion, PA!

FL Crooks & Co: Celebrating over 100 Years!

2013-07-31T16:47:00.003-04:00

Just a little bit of info for you history lovers out there! When FL Crooks & Co celebrated our 100 year anniversary in 2005, local historian, Hank Hufnagel, compiled this look back at our past. Here goes...

F.L. Crooks & Co.

In 1905, F. L. Crooks used his experience in retail sales to open a clothing store, F.L. Crooks and company. As inventory arrived and the Wilson Building (corner of 6th and Main) was not yet complete, he temporarily set up shop in the John F. Brown building two doors west of the Orpheum Theater.

The new store sold essential apparel of the era - red flannel union suits; dress shirts with high, linen, button on collars; four-button suits; and double breasted overcoats worn five inches below the knee.

Industry was based on natural resources, and it was a time of great prosperity. The store regularly sold $50 silk shirts, fine suits, and beaver and Stetson hats.

A 1906 "Removal" sale marked the store's relocation to the Wilson building. Advertisements promoted men's suits and young men’s clothing available at the "Sunny Front" of Crooks's store. F.L.'s brother, James M. Crooks, became a partner after 12 years as an on-the-road salesman. He sold dry good and hats to small general stores in rural villages.

The venture was a prosperous enough to exchange a horse drawn rig for the second automobile in Clarion County. F.L. Crooks retired in 1931.

The Store: 1930-1950

When F.L. Crooks retired, he and James sold most of the store's merchandise. James found himself with an established clothing business and no merchandise to sell. Banks had little money available to loan, so James was able to borrow $2,000 from his mother to restock the store. He moved the store across Main Street to the Kaufman Building where it remained for 17 years.

It was challenging to maintain trade during the Great Depression, but the store grew.

A master salesman, James used clever promotions. Once, he hung a giant pair of overalls across the front of the Kaufman building. He kept the store open until midnight, and welcomed locals to sit around the stove for social time.

All of his children were raised in the store and put to any task they could manage. In 1938, James expanded the business, bringing his son, J. Paul Crooks, aboard.

James conducted buying trips to Pittsburgh and New York City, returning with a vehicle packed to capacity and merchandise heavy on the roof. Shrewd bargaining skills allowed him to sell merchandise at prices that customers could afford - socks for 17 cents and overalls for 50 cents.

During World War II, domestic goods were even harder to find and demand for men's clothing slowed as many went to war. James' son, Don, a graduate of Wharton School of Business, returned from the war in fall 1945 with an interest in meeting nice girls. On a suggestion from his mother, he set up a blind date with Bernadette Hugus. Despite some confusion about which of the Crooks boys would be taking her out, Bernie accepted. Two years later, they wed and Don joined his father in the business.

Post-war demand for goods far exceeded availability. When the store finally received a shipment of Woolrich merchandise, customers lined up outside for their chance to buy something new.

Don built a shoe store beside the main store in 1947. When his brother, Paul, returned from military service, he managed the shoe store, and Don and Bernie worked in the main store which still stayed open late into the evening. The next generation of Crooks were put to task and learned the trade.

The Store: 1950-1980

Within a few years after World War II, space in the Kaufman building became cramped with no room to grow. James Crooks and Norman Rea purchased the Wilson building and modernized the first floor. The move, in 1957, established one of the most complete and up-to-date clothing stores in western Pennsylvania.
James was involved with the store into his 80s. Don and his brother, Dickie, opened a clothing store in Brookville. Don later purchased the Wilson building from his father and initiated major structural renovations which saved the integrity of the landmark.
Women became a target audience in the late 50’s just as professional careers evolved. In response to greater appeal for affluent customer, The Treehouse was built in a narrow lot next to the Wilson building in 1969. Bernie managed the store for 25 years. As in the generation before them, Don and Bernie’s children were commonly seen at the store. Son James, “Jim” Crooks, studied fir a year in Sweden and returned home to take up marketing and business at Clarion University. He joined the family business in 1974.
Involved in community affairs, Jim served as a celebrity waiter in a United Way fundraiser. The hostess was Lydia Pifer, reigning Miss Clarion State College. Jim was smitten, and the couple married in 1981.

FL Crooks & Co - The Sunny Future

At the turn of this century, Clarion presented a changing modern face to the world. Gone were the five-and-dime stores and many of the older family businesses. Often, sons and daughters did not care to take up the family trade. To the Crooks family, it became apparent that retail clothing sales had to change with the times.

Many of the same goods were now available everywhere making serviceable work clothes and durable dress goods, the family trade for decades, impractical to merchandise. As old brands were made more accessible across the market, quality was often compromised and original design was scarce.

Gone Global

Don and Bernie were nearing retirement when Jim purchased the business in 1996, and the building in 2000. Jim's wife, Lydia, and their children, Nathan, Chelsea, and Patrick, became part of the store team.

In addition to high quality work clothes, Jim brought in new designer lines including Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Ben Sherman, French Connection, Calvin Klein, Lilly Pulitzer, and Tommy Bahama.

Marketing ingenuity came from a new generation when Nathan Crooks designed a Website for Internet sales. Suddenly, F.L. Crooks and Company had gone global, resulting in 1,000,000 'hits' per month.

A hundred plus years in downtown Clarion is something to celebrate!

Summer Weekend Wine Down!

2013-07-15T12:04:00.000-04:00

Alfred Armand Montapert once wrote, "All lasting business is built on friendship." With that sentiment in mind, we would like to cordially invite you to stop in to FL Crooks & Co every Friday evening from 4 to 7 this summer for our weekly Wine Down. Take a brief respite from your busy life, and let us help you enter into your weekend in a relaxed mode.

Each week we feature a different component of the amazing inventory that makes up what you see on the floor of FL Crooks & Co. Week 1 we talked about the versatile JPK purses. Following weeks highlighted the new Pandora bangle bracelet, the ever popular NAOT shoes, made in Israel, and cool, cool Native eyewear. Upcoming events include Dansko shoes, Raffinella pants and shorts, Elle jewelry, Sperry shoes, Spanx, Brighton jewelry, and Olukai shoes.

Gain access to our exclusive Wine Down offers and receive promotional products. Come and hear our thinking about why, in a field resplendent with products, we have chosen what we have to offer you. Discover the quality and value in these wonderful clothing, shoes, and accessories that make our staff excited about we sell!

We thank you for your past patronage, and we look forward to doing more business with old and new friends alike. We are committed to working every day to be your favorite clothing store by offering the best of what is available in the market. Friends serving friends, since 1905. Come and help us celebrate every Friday this summer from 4 to 7 at FL Crooks & Co. See you soon!

Summertime cheer!

Lydia Crooks

Happy Father's Day!

2013-05-28T22:10:00.001-04:00

June is bustin' out all over! All over the meadow and the hill!

Buds are bustin' outa bushes And the rompin' river pushes

Every little wheel that wheels beside a mill!

June is bustin' out all over! The feelin' is gettin' so intense,

That the young Virginia creepers have been huggin' the bejeepers

Out-a all the mornin' glories on the fence!

Because it's June!

June, June, June,

Jest because it's June! June! June!

So goes the lyrics of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Carousel, and so goes the promising month of June! Following the merriment of May, the promises of June are many... June brings to weary and anxious students the close of a school year. June brings to those with a green thumb the planting and continual care of gardens. June brings to the nation the patriotic celebration of our resplendant flag on June 14th, Flag Day. And, of course, June brings us a day set aside to honor and remember our dear dads!

Father's Day was first celebrated in June 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Fathers in church were given red roses, and people whose fathers were deceased wore white roses. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation honoring fathers on the 3rd Sunday in June. Six years later, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a law which made the commemoration permanent. By the way, Mother's Day had been made a national holiday the 2nd Sunday way back in May in 1914!

So, even though Father's Day has gotten off to a slow start when compared to Mother's Day, the holiday is continuing to evolve into a cherished day of celebration. This year, Sunday, June 16, 2013 is a terrific time to show the men in our lives that we care! Gift giving is a fun and important part of Father's Day!

Men love presents as much as women do! The men in your life just might want more than a phone call and a card, as cool as those two sentiments are. Perhaps this might be just the right year to buy your dad a gift of fine clothing from FL Crooks & Co.!

How about a new pair of marvelous Merrell hiking boots or walking shoes? What about a beautiful Brighton belt? A terrific Tommy Bahama shirt is wearable art that never loses its luster! A pair of rockin' reversible shorts, solids to fun patterns, would take the recipient by suprise! Hats by Kangol, Wigens, The North Face, Patagonia, and Goorin Bros would make a big hit with your dad! New styles of Native eyewear feature among others the aviator look. The list goes on...

We will be glad to gift wrap your selection for you. Make shopping for fresh wardrobe additions for the men in your life at this time an annual tradition. FL Crooks & Co is bustin' out all over with the best selection around at a lively time of the year!

Jim Valvano stated, "My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me." Show your dad you care and that you believe in him with a cherished gift of clothing from FL Crooks & Co. Thank you, and Happy Father's Day!

Celebrate!

Lydia Crooks

The Business Quest - March 21, 2013

2013-03-21T16:41:00.001-04:00

"First say to yourself what you would be: then do what you have to do." - Epictetus

At FL Crooks & Co, we want to be a place where you can take part in that grand adventure of shopping. We want to provide you with an element of unpredictability as well as delightful surprise when you walk through our doors. We want to educate and inform you. We want to entertain you and make you smile. We want to inspire you and help you realize your dreams. We want to help you become more energized and turn up the vibration of your life! How can we do this?

In a recent issue of Men's Wearhouse, Danny Paul discusses seven critical traits many successful retailers possess. Paul is the founder of Retail Communities and is a retail consulting specialist.

Let's apply these traits to the actual FL Crooks & Co retail clothing establishment:

1). Have Passion.

Passion helps to motivate us. Take the passion challenge. Step inside our store and see if the styles and colors of the emerging season help you leave the winter doldrums far behind. Along with the inventory, the staff will serve you with sincerity and a genuine willingness to help.

2). Be a good decision maker.

Fashion retail seems to be changing ever faster. We do our best to be decisive and sift through the myriad of fashion options available today.

3). Communicate the vision of the business.

We want to provide you with substance and style at the best price. That simple.

4). Be a good teacher.

To be a good teacher requires good listening skills. We make it a priority to listen to what you have to say.

5). Don't assume you see your business with clarity.

Again, we need and value your input. We are open to suggestions to how we can improve and grow better and stonger.

6). A good retailer must possess sound character.

Honesty is paramount. We want to earn your loyalty through our character and integrity.

7). Be a risk taker.

We are always trying new avenues - in clothing lines, in manners of presentation, and in methods of communication.

Joseph Epstein wrote an article for the Wall Street Journal entitled "In Praise of Shopkeepers". He comments on the challenges and worth of a shopkeeper:

"England is a nation of shopkeepers," remarked Napoleon, unconsciously quoting Adam Smith and suggesting that they, the English, as mere shopkeepers, were unfit to fight the French. Well, we know how the shopkeepers fared at a place called Waterloo. No great surprise, really. Considerable courage and perseverance are required to start and keep a good shop running."

Epstein goes on to point out that:

"Running a good shop is a service to one's community. A nation of shopkeepers, far from being the put-down Napoleon thought, sounds more and more like an ideal to which a healthy country ought to aspire."

We at FL Crooks & Co aspire to be a useful and helpful business while striving to provide the greatest level of service and product possible. We want to provide our community with a vibrant business to meet the desires and dreams of our valued customers, and we will work hard to bring it to pass. We want to make our customers love us as much as we love you.

Renovate, Invigorate, Inspire! - March 5, 2013

2013-03-05T15:59:00.002-05:00

Renovate, Invigorate, Inspire!

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step."

- Lao Tzu

The weather outside still looks, feels, and smells like winter, but step inside FL Crooks & Co for a taste of the long-awaited season of Spring! Especially check out the mid-section of the women's division where extensive renovations were made last summer. The dark wood in this area was removed along with the built-in horizontal bars. Marbelized slat walls are in place now along with silver fixtures set off with contemporary track lighting.

Women's division manager, Darla, states that the space "looks more light and open. People can now see the whole entire outfit complete with accessories. It has much better visual appeal." Delicious Spring, in abundant and glorious color, is bursting from the clothing on display.

Just like our buildings and businesses can benefit from renovation work, our lives can benefit from a bit of work and small changes. I just finished reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. Olson promotes turning simple disciplines into what can become massive successes. The slight edge philosphy is all about "simple steps and their compounded effect over time". Olson examines how simple, single, easy-to-do activities can, day in and day out, have a phenomenal impact on 5 areas of our lives:

- Your Health

- Your Personal Development

- Your Relationships

- Your Finances

- Your Career

The longer we make positive choices every day, the more accumulated success will impact our lives in each of these areas. Continuous improvement and refinement can come with having the discipline to do the little things consitently with a good attitude over a long period of time. It's about making easy, simple choices consistently.

Here are a few ideas from a recent Oprah magazine entitled "Small Changes, Big Results".

1). Eat an apple

2). Brush your teeth with your other hand

3). Drink filtered coffee

4). Power up your walk

5). Have a few walnuts

6). Time major decisions

7). When you learn something, say it out loud

8). Wake up with a plan

9). Practice the phrase, "I forgive you"

10). Chew gum

11). Purge toxic possessions

12). Stand on the balls of your feet

13). Add umami to your diet

14). Take 10 minutes for daydreaming

Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, "The law of nature is, Do the thing, and you shall have the power." There's no time like now to renovate, invigorate and inspire. It's in the little things. Spring into action with little steps that can lead to big accomplishments for you.

In closing, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said it well, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world!"